Energy harvesting technology for wireless sensor networks

A multi-year, joint venture between The University of Texas at Austin, National Instruments, and Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates is researching ways to monitor the health of bridges and overpasses through wireless sensors. An autonomous sensor network that continuously monitors stress, vibration, and corrosion could help prevent sudden catastrophic failure in bridges approaching fatigue end-of-life.

I am currently examining energy harvesting technology as a means for powering such a wireless sensor network, instead of using batteries or grid power. We hope to establish a portfolio of technologies that can be tailored to each bridge, extracting energy from vibration, solar, wind, and other environmental sources.


Over the past two years, I have worked on several projects relating to design methodology, engineering education, and design of reconfigurable systems. Some highlights are below.

Transformation Design Theory
Products that transform or reconfigure are found in many domains. After examining several hundred existing products, patents, and biological examples, we proposed a set of transformation heuristics that describe the characteristics and processes of transformation. We developed several concept generation techniques that use Transformation Design Theory to increase the breadth and novelty of ideation over conventional methods. These heuristics and methodologies were used to create several transforming micro air vehicle (MAV) prototypes for the Air Force Research Laboratories.

Design Technology and Engineering for America's Children (DTEACh)
DTEACh is a program introduced at The University of Texas at Austin to introduce teachers and educators in Texas schools to engineering design principles and show how design can be used to tie science and math in the classroom to useful and interesting real-life applications. Typical applications include hands-on exploration of technology, open-ended design problems, and effective communication through reporting. In addition, a partnership with National Instruments has allowed DTEACh to use LEGO MINDSTORMS as a vehicle for active learning. I have worked with the DTEACh program on several occasions to design MINDSTORMS-centered exploratory labs, design projects, and instructional videos.